Site Foreman – Residential Builds (Palmerston North)

About our client:
Our client is a long-established, iwi and whānau-owned multi-trade construction company with over 40 years of experience delivering high-quality residential, commercial, and community projects across Aotearoa. They are take pride in supporting the wellbeing of their people, industry, and local communities.

With a team of experienced project managers, in-house tradespeople, and specialist contractors, they provide a full property lifecycle service — from new builds to renovations, fit-outs, maintenance, and insurance work. Their reputation is built on integrity, local knowledge, and delivering projects that enhance living and working environments.

Are you an experienced carpenter ready to lead and build homes to a higher standard?

Join a growing team shaping quality residential builds in Palmerston North.

What you'll do:

• Lead and supervise a small team of carpenters and apprentices across new builds, renovations, and alterations
• Interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and as-built plans to guide accurate execution
• Plan and coordinate daily site operations: tasks, crews, materials delivery
• Enforce NZ building standards (like NZS 3604), health & safety regulations, and quality assurance
• Mentor and train apprentices, fostering communication and teamwork
• Manage onsite ordering, quantify materials, monitor budgets, reduce rework and wastage
• Facilitate daily toolbox talks, safety inductions, and liaise with engineers, project managers, and building inspectors
• Step in with hands-on carpentry (framing, finish carpentry, occasional formwork) as needed

• Trade-qualified Carpenter (NZ Certificate Level 4 or equivalent) or proven equivalent experience
• At least 3–5 years’ residential carpentry experience, including supervisory or leading-hand roles
• Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) credentials and full Class 1 NZ driver’s licence
• Excellent understanding of NZ Building Code, NHZS:3604, Health & Safety Act
• Strong communication, problem-solving, budgeting, planning, and numeracy skills
• Natural leader with a “strive for excellence” mindset, attention to detail, and ability to support and grow a team
• First Aid/CPR certification and proven safe-tool usage and handling practices

• Competitive salary - $40 - $45 per hour
• Career progression 
• Hands-on leadership within high-quality residential projects
• Supportive team environment with a strong emphasis on training and safety
• Opportunity to mentor apprentices and upskill on the job